On Friday it was reported that Newcastle Falcons fly-half Wilkinson was seriously considering quitting the Guinness Premiership for a lucrative move to France at the end of the season.

That speculation is only set to intensify in light of Boudjellal’s revelation that he has held talks with the World Cup winner about a possible summer switch.

"We welcomed him, he was happy and now he's gone," Boudjellal told L'Equipe.fr.

However, Boudjellal insisted that any proposed deal is unlikely to be concluded until the end of the current campaign, with Toulon, who are currently 11th in the Top 14, solely focused on avoiding relegation at the moment.

"The most important thing today for us is to stay in the top flight. We will think about other things afterwards," he added.

Toulon have already announced the signing of Leinster fly-half Felipe Contepomi for next season.